Connect with us

Travel Trends

Thrift Tripping Boom: Sustainable Fashion Drives Record Demand for Market Tours, This a New Trend in Travel

Published

on


Published on
August 16, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Fridge magnets are out. Thrifted souvenirs are in. In 2025, travellers are swapping mass-produced keepsakes for unique vintage finds, fuelling a boom in market and thrift tours. This new wave of travel, called “thrift tripping,” is reshaping how people explore destinations and the mementos they bring home.

Market Tours Claim Second Spot in Global Travel Experiences

Shopping and market tours have now become the second most popular activity worldwide, just behind sightseeing. According to Arival’s 2025 report, 30% of global travellers are booking these experiences. The rise aligns with a growing desire to travel sustainably and immerse in local culture. It reflects a shift in spending from traditional souvenirs to authentic, locally sourced treasures.

Search Data Reveals Record Interest in Sustainable Shopping Experiences

Google searches for “market tours” hit an all-time high in August 2025, with 203,000 monthly searches and a 61% increase over the past year. In the last quarter alone, searches for “market tours” rose 171%, “flea market tours” 79%, and “thrift tour” 42%. The numbers highlight how sustainable fashion is influencing travel planning, with travellers actively seeking eco-friendly, culture-rich experiences.

Social Media Sparks Thrift Tripping Craze

Platforms like TikTok are driving the trend, with videos of travellers “flying 24 hours to go thrifting” gaining hundreds of thousands of views. One clip showing a traveller returning home with only thrifted clothes as souvenirs reached over 138,000 views. Comments flooded in from viewers eager to follow the trend, demonstrating how social media can transform niche interests into global travel movements.

Sustainable Fashion’s Growing Influence on Travel

The boom in second-hand fashion has been fuelled by resale platforms like Vinted and Depop, with searches for “sustainable fashion” at record highs. Samuel Jefferies of Bókun notes that queries like “thrifting in Bangkok,” “Italy vintage markets,” and “vintage tours Miami” have surged over 1000% in the last month alone. This shows a direct link between fashion trends and travel behaviour.

Why Thrifted Souvenirs Are Winning Over Travellers

Younger generations, especially Gen Z, are embracing thrifted items as unique, personal souvenirs that carry a story. This shift is rooted in sustainability, authenticity, and a desire to support local communities. Instead of plastic fridge magnets, travellers are leaving markets with one-of-a-kind vintage garments or accessories that can be worn, used, and remembered for years.

Opportunities for the Tourism Industry

Tour operators have a chance to ride the wave by incorporating vintage shopping stops into their itineraries. This could mean adding flea market visits to walking tours or partnering with local thrift vendors to create exclusive shopping experiences. Such strategies tap into cultural trends while boosting bookings and supporting small businesses.

The Cultural and Environmental Benefits of Thrift Tripping

Beyond the personal appeal, thrift tripping promotes eco-friendly consumption by reducing demand for mass-produced goods. It also keeps money within local economies, helping independent sellers and artisans thrive. As more travellers seek meaningful connections with destinations, market and thrift tours are becoming not just a trend, but a movement in responsible tourism.

Looking Ahead: Will Fridge Magnets Disappear?

While traditional souvenirs may never fully vanish, the rise of thrift tripping signals a powerful cultural shift. As sustainable travel and fashion trends grow, the demand for authentic, locally sourced mementos will likely continue climbing. In 2025, the world is witnessing a merging of industries—fashion and tourism—changing the way people travel, shop, and remember their journeys.



Source link

Travel Trends

My Menu launches a free platform for 5,000 restaurants

Published

on



My Menu

DUBAI, UAE – My Menu, the global restaurant technology platform serving 4,500+ restaurants and 600+ hotels in 70 countries, announced the launch of its commission-free reservations and table management system, offered entirely free to 5,000 restaurants worldwide.

This bold move disrupts an industry dominated by high-fee reservation platforms, where independent and mid-sized restaurants often struggle under commission costs and high subscription prices. With My Menu’s new system, selected restaurants will be able to manage bookings, optimize table turnover, reduce no-shows, and build guest loyalty, without paying any fees.

More than a product launch, this is My Menu’s way of giving back to the industry that helped it grow.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, we offered free contactless menus to keep restaurants and their staff safe,” said Abhishek Bose, CEO & Founder of My Menu. “That goodwill took us from 300 to more than 4,500 restaurant clients worldwide. Today, as restaurants face rising costs, labor shortages, and the pressure to bring in more guests, we’re stepping in again to help, this time with reservations.”

What’s included for selected partner restaurants:

  • Commission-Free Reservations: Seamless integration with Google, Zomato, Swiggy, and EazyDiner.
  • Advanced Table Management: Smart tools to optimize seating and potentially double covers per meal period.
  • Guest CRM & Marketing: Build loyalty with personalized experiences and data-driven insights.
  • Full Support: Free setup, installation, and remote training for a smooth launch.
  • Sustainability Tie-In: For every restaurant that joins, My Menu plants a tree in the My Menu Forest, allowing diners to contribute to climate action with every booking.
Who qualifies?

Casual dining, full-service restaurants that operate at least two meal periods (such as lunch and dinner) and value reservations. Quick-service restaurants generally do not qualify, as they rarely rely on table bookings.

“This is about more than technology,” added Bose. “We owe our success to the restaurant community, and it’s only fitting that we help them thrive in return. The more restaurants succeed, the more the entire dining ecosystem wins.”

Industry experts note that My Menu’s move could significantly shift the balance of power away from legacy platforms that charge high subscription fees or per-cover fees, creating a more sustainable future for restaurant operators.

The article My Menu launches a free platform for 5,000 restaurants first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.



Source link

Continue Reading

Travel Trends

Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa debuts in the Dominican Republic

Published

on



Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort

CHICAGO, IL – Hyatt Hotels Corporation announces the grand opening of Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa, the new all-inclusive beachfront resort located in a secluded and nature-rich region along the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic, marking the continued expansion of the Dreams Resorts & Spas brand within Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection portfolio. Designed to bring people together through meaningful moments, Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa offers families and multigenerational travelers a scenic escape where nature, comfort, and connection converge.

“Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa invites families and multigenerational travelers to relax, reconnect, and discover the beauty of the Dominican Republic,” said Ángel Medina, General Manager, Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa. “Blending warm Dominican hospitality with the all-inclusive ease that defines the Dreams Resorts & Spas brand, we’ve created a place where every detail inspires connection.”

Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa introduces guests to a side of the Dominican Republic known more for its natural beauty than busy resort strips. Whether families are gathering by the waterpark, enjoying a barefoot stroll along the beach, or discovering new experiences together, the resort captures what the brand does best – curating effortless, all-inclusive escapes made for every generation.

Junior Suite Partial Ocean View Bedroom.

A Scenic, Family-Centered Caribbean Escape

Set along a secluded stretch of soft sand and calm Caribbean waters, the newly built resort features 500 thoughtfully appointed rooms and suites, including rooms with garden, pool, or oceanfront views, with select suites offering direct swim-out access. Inside, guests will find plush bedding, spacious bathrooms with rain showers and double vanities, and Pharmacopia Natural Bodycare bath amenities.

Guests seeking an elevated stay can book the Preferred Club, with additional privileges such as upgraded suite locations, dedicated butler service, exclusive lounge and pool access, and enhanced in-room amenities. The Preferred Club Presidential Suite is the crown jewel of the oceanfront experience with an expansive layout, private kitchen, jet pool terrace, and panoramic sea views.

Culinary Discovery and Public Square

Under the direction of Executive Chef Carlos Quijano, the resort’s ten restaurants and seven bars invite guests on a global tasting journey, without ever leaving the resort. Culinary highlights include Tierra, showcasing South American dishes prepared with bold regional flavors; El Patio, where classic Mexican cuisine is served a la carte; and 1844 Dominican Cuisine, which pays tribute to the island’s local roots through reimagined Dominican specialties.

At the heart of Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa and the adjacent adults-only Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa lies the vibrant Public Square, a shared, village-style hub filled with dining, shopping, and entertainment venues. This dynamic space is home to several of the property’s dining venues, bars, and gathering spots, perfect for grabbing a morning coffee or winding down with music and cocktails after dark. Guests also enjoy seamless access between both properties, allowing families at Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa and adults at Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa to come together at the Dreams property effortlessly while still enjoying the tailored experiences of each resort, with adults staying at either property able to enjoy full access to both.

World Cafe

Family-Friendly Amenities

Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa was designed with families in mind, offering a full schedule of supervised activities at the Explorer’s Club for Kids ages 3-12 and the Core Zone Teens Club for ages 13-17. From arts and crafts to beach games and teen socials, every child has space to explore, play, and connect, giving parents the freedom to unwind and enjoy time together or apart.

Beyond its dining and gathering spaces, Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa invites guests to unwind and explore in the sun-soaked surroundings of the Caribbean. Three shimmering pools, including a dedicated family-friendly pool, offer plenty of room to lounge and splash, while the resort’s vibrant on-site waterpark features thrilling waterslides and splash zones designed for kids and kids at heart. A well-equipped fitness center helps guests stay active while away, and those seeking deeper relaxation can indulge at the Secrets Spa, which offers massage cabins, a hydrotherapy circuit, a bridal suite, and a full-service beauty salon. With direct access to Playa Esmeralda’s soft sands and calm waters, the resort delivers the ideal blend of recreation and rejuvenation in an inviting tropical setting.

Playa Esmeralda: the Dominican Republic’s Hidden Gem

Nestled in the still-developing region of Miches, the resort sits at the intersection of tranquility and adventure. Guests are surrounded by natural wonders rarely found in more touristed destinations, including Montaña Redonda, known for its panoramic swings and hilltop views; the dramatic limestone cliffs of Los Haitises National Park; and Samaná Bay, where humpback whales can be spotted breaching just offshore during migration season.

More active travelers can hike to Salto La Jalda, the tallest waterfall in the Caribbean, or kayak through the peaceful, mangrove-lined waters of Laguna Limón, all just a short drive from the resort. These immersive excursions offer an authentic glimpse into the Dominican Republic’s ecological richness, without sacrificing comfort or convenience.

As part of Hyatt’s commitment to responsible tourism through its World of Care platform, the resort is also engaged in initiatives to help preserve the natural surroundings that make Miches so special. In partnership with Promiches, a local organization focused on sustainable development in the region, Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa recently installed a protected sea turtle nesting area along its beachfront – supporting one of the most important habitats for native sea turtles in the Playa Esmeralda area and reinforcing the resort’s connection to the land, sea, and community it calls home.

An exceptional reef lies just steps from the shore, with abundant marine life including turtles, colorful reef fish, and occasional manatee sightings, all within a pristine beach environment that the resort works hard to preserve and protect.

Where Celebrations Come to Life

Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa is an exceptional destination for weddings and milestone gatherings, offering over 15,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event space, including both seaside ceremony spots and an elegant Miches Ballroom ideal for receptions or corporate events. With a dedicated on-site wedding team, couples can choose from customizable packages that accommodate intimate elopements or grand celebrations, bringing every detail – florals, dining, décor – to life with ease.

Unique to this destination, couples can be among the first to say “I do” in Playa Esmeralda. Notably, the adjacent Secrets Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa provides adults-only amenities that are ideal for extended destination weddings or multi-family groups, ensuring everyone has space to relax, socialize, and celebrate in style

World of Hyatt members can earn 500 Bonus Points for qualifying nights at Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa with the New Hotels Bonus Offer.

The article Dreams Playa Esmeralda Resort & Spa debuts in the Dominican Republic first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.



Source link

Continue Reading

Travel Trends

Avion Hospitality selected to manage DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas – Campbell Centre in Dallas

Published

on



Avion Hospitality

PLANO, TEXAS – Avion Hospitality announced the company has been awarded management of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas – Campbell Centre, a landmark property in the heart of Dallas, Texas. The 300-room hotel, featuring more than 11,600 sq. ft. of versatile meeting and event space, strengthens Avion’s growing southwestern portfolio. This marks Avion’s eleventh hotel in Texas, further solidifying its presence and leadership in the state.

Avion will partner with ownership to execute a multi-million-dollar renovation program that will reimagine guest rooms, public spaces and event facilities.  The refurbishment further positions DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas – Campbell Centre as a destination of choice for both business and leisure travelers in Dallas.

“We are honored to have been selected to manage the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas – Campbell Centre,” said Robert Burg, CEO and president of Avion Hospitality. “This hotel has long been recognized as an important architectural feature of the Dallas skyline, and we are thrilled to bring new energy and vision to the property that will undergo a transformative renovation to elevate the guest experience and deliver exceptional results for ownership.”

Avion Hospitality is a national third-party hotel management company specializing in branded full-service, select-service and luxury independent properties. The company partners with world-class owners and leverages industry-leading tools to elevate performance for owners, team members and guests alike. Trust and transparency are among Avion’s foundational values, and its commitment to maintaining a low ratio of assets to property support ensures highly focused attention and superior outcomes across all disciplines. Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Plano, Texas, Avion Hospitality delivers tailored, people-first leadership and results.

The article Avion Hospitality selected to manage DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Dallas – Campbell Centre in Dallas first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025 AISTORIZ. For enquiries email at prompt@travelstoriz.com